October 10. 2010 - The City Council voted 9-0 last night to study the idea. But yesterday, Cantabrigians were divided on the issue.

Cambridge City Councilor Marjorie Decker, who introduced the measure, insisted a butt ban is a matter of respecting people’s rights. Decker said she expects to see the city’s report on the proposal in a few weeks and will hold a public hearing on the subject before the end of the year. A similar proposal is being mulled in New York City. (New York City officials have announced a plan to ban smoking outdoors..)

A ban on smoking in the workplace, including restaurants and bars, has been in effect in Cambridge since 2003. Massachusetts followed suit in 2004. Last year, Cambridge - the butt of many jokes for its rampant nanny state leanings - barred restaurants from serving foods that included trans fats in the ingredients.Supporters of the smoking proposal said they expect it will reduce litter and protect people from secondhand smoke.

A 2007 study found that within 2 feet, second-hand smoke exposure is just as bad outside as inside. Sixteen percent of adults in Massachusetts smoke.